The Arndt Dental team, Concord’s Friendliest Dentist, is looking forward to Thanksgiving and we hope you are, too. Whether it’s the meal, gathering with loved ones, catching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, or binge-watching holiday movies, Turkey Day has a lot to recommend it! 

Excitement aside, we also hope that you’ll be thankful for our little primer on the Thanksgiving treats that could compromise your healthy smile. Knowing which ones to watch for in advance goes a long way to keeping your smile bright this holiday season. 

As always, the best way to protect your oral health, no matter the occasion, is to commit to preventive dental care, which includes routine brushing and flossing, along with regular six-month teeth cleanings.

For now, consider these Thanksgiving treats best taken in small bites… 

Sticky Sweets: The Silent Culprits

Thanksgiving desserts, like pecan pie and caramel-covered apples, are notorious for their sticky consistency. These treats cling to your teeth and can be difficult to remove, even with brushing. Ultimately, the longer sugars stay on your teeth, the greater the chance for cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.

  • The Arndt-Approved Alternative: Opt for less sticky desserts, like pumpkin pie (without whipped cream), and rinse your mouth with water after indulging.

Starchy Sides: Sneaky Sugar Producers

Starches like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls might not taste sweet, but these starches break down into sugars in your mouth, which feed bacteria, increasing the risk of tooth decay. The soft texture of these foods can also easily lodge between your teeth, making thorough brushing and flossing essential.

  • The Arndt-Approved Alternative: Pair starchy foods with crunchy vegetables like celery or carrots to help naturally clean your teeth during the meal. And be sure to brush and floss! 

Sugary Drinks: Sip Sparingly.

Sweetened beverages like soda, sweet tea, and juices often accompany Thanksgiving dinners. These drinks coat your teeth in sugar and can contribute to enamel erosion, especially if they are acidic.

  • The Arndt-Approved Alternative: Swap out sugary options for healthier, sugar-free choices like water or unsweetened beverages. 

Concerned your teeth are already stained, whether from wine, coffee or tea? Take a look at our tooth whitening services to help restore your smile to its whitest shade. 

Dried Fruits: Delicious in Small Doses

Dried cranberries and raisins often appear in Thanksgiving dishes or as snacks and while these might seem like healthier options, their sticky texture and concentrated sugars make them a potential problem for your teeth.

  • The Arndt-Approved Alternative: Choose fresh fruits instead, which are less sticky and offer hydration benefits.

Wine: A Festive Foe

Even if you’re toasting to your health, keep in mind that red wine can stain your teeth, and both red and white wine are acidic, which can weaken enamel over time. Sipping on wine throughout the meal prolongs your teeth’s exposure to acidity, increasing the risk of damage.

  • The Arndt-Approved Alternative: Enjoy wine in moderation, and sip plenty of water to rinse away acids and prevent staining.

How to Protect Your Teeth This Thanksgiving

Celebrating the holidays and indulging in your favorite foods and beverages is what it’s all about, especially if you are serious about supporting your optimal oral health. Checking the following tasks will help keep your teeth and gums their healthiest. 

  • uncheckedBrush and floss: After your meal, wait about 30 minutes to brush and floss to avoid brushing away softened enamel.
  • uncheckedRinse with water: If brushing isn’t immediately possible, rinse your mouth with water to remove lingering sugars and starches.
  • uncheckedChew sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and wash away food particles.
  • uncheckedSchedule a cleaning: The holidays are a great reminder to stay on top of your dental health. Book a cleaning or check-up to ensure your teeth stay healthy year-round.

You needn’t choose between enjoying Thanksgiving or sacrificing your oral health. On the contrary! By making mindful choices and practicing good dental hygiene, you can savor your favorite foods while keeping your smile bright and healthy.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Arndt Dental, Concord’s Friendlist Dentist!